Curtain saver



i946 v. J. HANSEN ETAL. ,3 4

CURTAIN SAVER Filed Oct. 11, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Aug. 6, 1946 UNHTED S'i'fiti' orrrcs CURTAIN SAVER Verner J. Hansen and Jane W. Hansen, Arlington, Va.

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a holder for curtains and other drapery for Windows, and more especially to a holder of this type provided with an arm which can be placed substantially fiush with an exterior edge of the window frame when not in use and which is provided with a detent to prevent the arm from dropping below the horizontal when in operative position.

It is well known that when windows are raised for any purpose, including. ventilation; the lower portions of the curtains or othe drapery are likely to be blown outside the room thereby coming into contact with the exterior portion of the window frame and building. In this manner, these portions are subjected to the soiling action of rain and dirt and to the fraying action of the wind. In some cases the wind also causes draperies to fiap against the interior portion of the window frames, and this action is disconcerting and frequently results in damage to the draperies.

There have been a number of holders and guards designed for the p rpose of p otect window curtains and other drapery. These devices are ordinarily attached to the window frame and engage the lower portion of the drapery.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a holder for curtains or other drapery for windows which is of simplified construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device of the type described provided with an arm to hold the lower portion of the drapery away from the window.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described which is mounted on the window frame in such a manner that the arm can be placed in a vertical position which is substantially fiush with an exterior vertical edge of a window frame.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described having detent means which prevents the arm from dropping below the horizontal when in operative position.

With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent from the subsequent description, the present invention relatos broadly to a holder for curtains and other drapery for windows, of Simplified construction, which comprises a pivotally mounted arm for holding the drapery away from the window. The arm is mounted on the window frame in such a manner that when in vertical position it will be substantially flush with an exterior vertical edge of the window frame. The holder is also provided with detent means to prevent the arm from dropping below the horizontal when in operative position. In one form of the invention, this detent means also serves as a frictional engagement to eliminate the possibilit of the arm accidentally dropping from the vertical position when not in use. The outer extremity of the arm is formed so as to curve outwardly with respect to the window to prevent the curtain or drapery from sliding off or around the arm when it is in use.

A holder of this simplified construction maybe readily manufactured from any suitable mate rial such as wood, metal or plastic, is easy to install, and is substantially invisible when not in use. However, it is effective in preventing the lower portion of the curtain from coming in contact with the window and therefore from becoming frayed or soiled in the manner previously described.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a window and curtain held in position by device p0- sitioned on either side of the window frame constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view disclosing one form of the invention attachedto a portion of a window frame.

Figure 3 is a view taken along the line 33 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but illustrating a second form of the invention.

Figure 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 4, looking in the direction of the ar rows.

Figure 6 is a side elevational, fragmentary view of a third form of the invention howing a fragment of the molding to which it is attached.

Figure 7 is a view taken along the line 'l'l of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a view in perspective of the bracket supporting the device shown in Figures 6 and 7, the curtain holding arm being in dot-dash lines.

Figure 9 is a view in perspectiva of the bracket of the device shown in Figures 4 and 5, the arm being shown in dot-dash lines.

For purposes of illustration there is shown in Figure 1 a comer of a room having a wall l containin a window. This window is of the usual construction and consists of a frame 2, enclosing window sashes 3. A pair of window drapes 4 are supported by a rod 5 and extend to the floor of the room. These drapes are held apart by a pair of devices 6 which are pivotall mounted on vertica1 exterior edges formed b the intersection of the side and front exterior surfaces of the window frame 2 and ar constructed in accordance with the present invention.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 3, this holder 6 comprises a pivotally mounted arm T, one extremity of which is provided with an aperture through which extends a screw 8 which engages the selected exterior side portion of the window frame,2. The Outer extremity of the arm 1 is curved as shown at 9 to prevent the curtain or drapery 4 from sliding off or around the device when it is in use.

'Ihe widest portion of the shank of the screw 8 is preferably only slightly smaller than the aper ture to assure snugness of fit without interfering with the pivoting action. The inner extremity of the arm I is provided with a straight portion HJ and a quadrantal aro portion l l whichincludes a part of the upper edge of the arm.

The screw 8 is concentrically mounted with respect to this aro and is positionea at a point in the frame 2 which will permit the straight portion o to engage the adjacent wall when the arm I is in horizontal position, thereby preventing the arm from dropping below the horizontal.

The portion of the arm 1 on the aro ll does not engage the wall and therefore cannot interfere when the arm i raised to a vertical position. In this position, the arm 1 is substantially fiush with the vertical exterior edge of the window frame, and is therefore invisible for all practical purposes. r

The ease with which this device can be manufactured and mounted can be readily appreciated.

ures 4, and 9, the arm 1 is'pivotally mounted on a three-sidad bracket provided with flat surfaces |2, l3 and l4, which are,intended to lie adjacent, respectively, exterior front and side portions of the window frame 2 and the wall adjacent the window frame, The portion l2 is provided with a pair of: apertures through which screws l5 may be inserted into the front surface of the window frame.

The arm 1 is pivotally mounted on a rivet Hi which extends through aligned apertures in the arm and the bracket portion l 3. This inner extremity of the arm I is also provided with a proiection l! formed by rounding the upper portion of the arm, as indicated at [1. This projection H i designed to engage a detent l8 formed from a slightly bent strip cut in the bracket portion I4. In this manner the arm 1 is prevented from dropping below the horizontal when in operative position.

The arm may be readil raised to a vertical position without binding because of the rounded portion H. Preferably, the detent 18 frictionally engages an upper portion of the arm l when it is in this vertical position to eliminate the possibility of movement when the device is not intended for use.

Although this form of the invention requires a bracket, all parts may be stamped out in a single operation, and therefore it may be easily manufactured and assembled, Moreover, it may be easily attached to the window frame even in the event that the window is situated in a comer of the room, as is indicated in Figure 4 of the drawings.

In the third form of the invention shown in Figures 6 through 8, the arm 1 is pivotally mounted on a right angle bracket composed of plates l9 and 20 which are also designed to engage portions of the front and side exterior surfaces, respectively, of the window frame Z. An aperture is provided through the bracket portion 9 through which a screw 21 may be inserted to secure the bracket to the window frame 2.

The arm 7 is pivotally mounted on a rivet 22 which passes through aligned aperturas in the rounded extremity of the arm '1 and the bracket portion 2D. The lower edge of the bracket portion 22 is provided with a detent 23 which is adapted to engage the lower edge of the arm f to prevent it from dropping below the horizontal when in operative position.

This form of the invention also requires a bracket but one which is of a less complicated structure than that previously described. The detent 23 may be an integral part of the bracket but can consist of a pin mounted on the bracket portion 20.

While for purposes of illustration onl three forms of the invention are disclosed, it is deemed to be obvious that various changes may be made in the construction of the elements forming the invention and their arrangement without departing from the spirit of the invention, However, the illustratea devices are very elcient for the purposes described and may be readily manufactured and mounted because of their simplified structure.

We claim:

1. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a holding device utilizing said aperture upon which said arm is pivotally mounted, said holding device being attachable to a window frame and the arm being swingable to a vertical position substantially fiush with a vertical exterior edge of th window frame, and detent means on said device to prevent the arm from being pivoted below the horizontal.

2. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a holding device utilizing said aperture upon which said arm is pivotally mounted, said holding device being attachable to a window frame and the arm being swingable to a vertical position substantially fiush ,with a vertical exterior edge of the window frame,

and detent means on said device to prevent the arm from being pivoted below the horizontal, the outer extremity of said arm at the swing end being curved outwardly With respect to the said window frame.

3. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an apertur in the arm adjacent one extremity, a bracket to engage a vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of exterior side and front surfaces of the window frame, means extending through the aperture to pivotally mount the arm on the portion of the bracket designed to be associated with th said exterior side surface of the window frame, holding means to attach the remaining portion of the bracket to the said front surface of the window of exterior side and front surfaces of the window frame, means extending through th aperture to pivotally mount the arm on the portion of the bracket designed to be associated with the said exterior side surface of the window frame, holding means to attach the remaining portion of the bracket to the said front surface of the window frame, said arm being swingable to a vertical po sition substantially flush with the said exterior edge of the window frame, and detent means associated with the bracket to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal, the outer extremity of said arm at the swing end being curved outwardly with respect to the said window frame.

5. A holder for curtains or other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a projecting portion on the said extremit which forms a continuation of the arm, the remaining portion of the extremity forming an aro which includes a part of the upper edge of the arm, a three-sided bracket two portions of which ar engageable with a vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of exterior side and front surfaces of a window frame, the remaining portion being adjacent a wall adjacent the window frame, pvot means extending through the aperture and positioned concentrically with respect to the arc, said pvot means engaging the portion of the bracket associated with the said exterior side surfac of the window frame, detent means associated with the portion of the bracket lying adjacent th wall and adapted to engage the projection on the arm to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal and to frictionally engage the upper surface of the arm When it is in a vertical position substantially flush with the said edge of the window frame, and means associated with the remaining portion of the bracket to secure the bracket to the front surface of the window frame.

6. A holder for ourtains or other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a projecting portion on the said extremity which forms a continuation of the arm, the remaining portion of the extremity forming an aro which includes a, part of the upper edge of the arm, a three-sided bracket two portions of which are designed to engage a Vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of exterior side and front surfaces of the window frame, and remaining portion being designed to lie adjacent the wall adjacent the window frame, pvot means extending through the aperture and positioned concentrically with respect to the arc, said pvot means engaging the portion of the bracket associated with the said exterior side surface of the window frame, detent means associated with the portion of the bracket lying adjacent the wall and adapted to engage the projection on the arm to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal and to frictionally engage the upper surface of the arm when it is in a vertical position substantially flush with the said edge of the window frame, and means asso citaed with the remaining portion of the bracket to secure the bracket to th front surface of the window frame, said arm at the swing end being curved outwardly with respect to the said window frame.

7. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a projecting portion on the said extremity which forms a continuation of the base of the arm, the remaining portion of the extremity forming a quadrantal arc portion Which merges into the upper edge of the arm, a three-sided bracket to engage an edge of a window frame formed by the intersection of exterior side and front surfaces of the window frame, the portion of the bracket associated with the said exterior side surface defining an aper' ture, a rivet extending through the said aperture and the aperture in the arm, said rivet being positioned concentrically with respect to the arc, outwardly projecting detent means associated with the portion of the bracket lying adjacent the wall adjacent the window, said detent means being engageable by the projection en the arm to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal and to frictionally engage the upper surface of the arm when it is in a vertical position substantially flush with the said edge of the window frame, and the remaining portion of the bracket being securable to the front surface of the window frame, said arm at the swing end being curved outwardly with respect to the said window frame.

8. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a right angle bracket to engage a vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of xterior side and front surfaces of the window frame, means extending through the aperture to pivotally mount the arm on the portion of the bracket designed to be associated with the said exterior side surface, the remaining portion of the bracket being attached to the front surface of the window frame, said arm being swingable to a vertical position substantially flush with the said exterior edge of the window frame, and detent means associated with the lower edge of the bracket to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal.

9. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, a right angle brack et to engage a vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of exterior side and front surfaoes of the window frame, means extending through the aperture to pivotaliy mount the arm on the portion of the bracket designed to be associated with the said exterior side surface, the remaining portion of the bracket being attached to the front surface of the window frame[said arm being swingabie to a vertical position substantiaily flush with the said exterior edge of the window frame, and detent means associated with the lower edge of the bracket to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal, the swingable extremity of said arm being curved outwardly with respect to the said window frame.

10. A holder for curtainsand other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an aperture in the arm adjaceut one extremity, a right angle bracket to engage a vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of exterior side and front surfaces of the window frame, the portion of the bracket mounted on the said exterior side surface being provided with an aperture a rivet extending through the said aperture and the aperture in the arm to pivotally mount the arm upon the bracket, the remaining portion of the bracket being se cured to the said exterior surface of th'e window frame, said arm being swingable to a vertical position substantially flush with the said exterior edge of the window frame, and detent means forming a continuation at right angles of the portion of the bracket upon which the arm is pivota11y mounted, to prevent the'arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal.

'11. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising an arm, an apertura in the arm adjacent one extremity, a right ang1e braeket to engage a vertical exterior edge formed by the intersection of exterior side and front sur- -faces of the window frame, the portion of the bracket mounted on the said exterior side surface being provided with an apertura a rivet extending through the said aperture and the aperture in the arm to pivotally mount the arm upon the bracket, holding means securing the remaining portion of the bracket to the said exterior surface of the window frame, said arm being swingable to a vertical position substantially fiush with the said exterior edge of the window frame, and detent means forming a oontinuation at right angles of the portion of the bracket upon which the arm is pivotally mounted, to prevent the arm from pivoting beneath the horizontal, the swingable extremity of said arm being curved outwardly with respect to said window frame.

12. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising a rectangular arm, an

aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, the said extremity having a straight portion and an arc portion which merges into the upper edge of the arm, and pvot means extending through the aperture and positioned concentrically with respect to the are, said pvot means pivotally securing the arm to an exterior side surface of a window frame at a point a distance from the ad- -jaeent wall equal to the distance between the center of the aperture and the said straight portion of the extremity of the arm, whereby the arm is swingable to a vertical position substantially fiush with a vertical exterior edge of the window frame and the said straight portion of the inner extremity of the arm will engage the wall when the arm is lowered to prevent the arm from being pivoted below the horizontal.

13. A holder for curtains and other drapery for windows comprising a rectangular arm, an aperture in the arm adjacent one extremity, said extremity having a straight portion and a quadrantal are portion which merees into the upper edge of the arm, and pvot means eXtending through the apertura and positioned concentrically with respect to the aro, the circumference of the pvot means being slightly smaller than the aperture to facilitdte the pivoting of the arm, said pivot means pivotally securing the arm to an exterior side surface of a window frame at a point a distance from the adjacent wall equal to the distance between the center of the aperture and the said straight portion of the extremity of the arm, whereby the arm is swingable to a vertical position substantially fiush with a vertical exterior edge of the window frame and the said straight portion of the interior extremity of the arm will engage the wall when the arm is lowered thereby preventing the arm from being pivoted below the horizontal.

VERNER J. HANSEN.

JANE W. HANSEN. 

